Online searches of Pilates rose 124% from 2022 to 2023, and that’s only the beginning. Pilates is on its way up, and so there are endless opportunities for those who want a career as a Pilates teacher. But, is it a lucrative career option? Can you make a living as a Pilates teacher?
Read on to find out more.
Contents
- 1 What Is Pilates?
- 2 What qualifications do you need to become a Pilates teacher?
- 3 Who can become a Pilates Instructor?
- 4 Factors that affect income as a Pilates teacher
- 5 Can Pilates instructing be a side hustle?
- 6 Is Pilates high in demand?
- 7 How much can a Pilates instructor make in the UK?
- 8 How fast can I become a Pilates instructor?
What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a mind-body exercise method focused on strength, flexibility, posture, and controlled movement centered around the core. It was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, a German-born physical trainer who dedicated his life to understanding the body’s potential for recovery and performance.
Initially a sickly child, Joseph overcame asthma and other illnesses through intense physical training, studying disciplines like gymnastics, martial arts, and yoga. His method took shape during World War I, when he began creating exercises that used bodyweight and resistance, sometimes improvising with bed springs to support injured soldiers. These early innovations evolved into the Reformer, one of Pilates’ signature apparatuses.
After emigrating to the U.S. in 1926, Joseph Pilates opened a New York studio with his wife Clara. There, they taught what he called “Contrology”, a system of precise, flowing movements designed to build strength without bulk, improve posture, and enhance overall body awareness.
Today, Pilates is practiced worldwide in studios and homes alike, with mat-based and equipment-based formats. Its core principles: breath, control, concentration, precision, centering, and flow make it suitable for everyone, from beginners to athletes to those in physical rehabilitation.
What qualifications do you need to become a Pilates teacher?
To become a qualified Pilates teacher, you need to enroll and pass a certified Level 3 Mat Pilates course. In the Level 3 Diploma course, you will learn everything you need to know to teach mat Pilates classes. Throughout the qualification, you will learn:
- History and fundamentals of Pilates
- Anatomy and physiology
- Health and safety in a Pilates environment
- Matwork repertoire
- How to teach a group Pilates class
- How to teach 1-1 Pilates sessions
Once you are qualified as a Level 3 Pilates teacher, you can continue your education by learning the advanced repertoire with a Level 4 advanced mat Pilates course or qualify to become a Reformer Pilates Instructor. This will allow you to teach reformer Pilates classes on top of mat Pilates.
Continuing professional development is an essential part of being an instructor. Although your knowledge of Pilates will develop on the course, continuing education will help you become a more experienced and knowledgeable teacher. As more research and new scientific findings are discovered in sport and exercise science, it’s important to stay up to date to ensure that your teachings are backed by scientific evidence.
Who can become a Pilates Instructor?
In short, anyone can become a Pilates teacher. To become a qualified Pilates instructor there are no prior entry requirements. You do not need previous experience working in a health and fitness environment or teaching others. However, it is strongly recommended that you already enjoy Pilates and have experience participating in Pilates classes.
One of the biggest components of Pilates instructor training is learning the mat repertoire and understanding how to perform the exercises using the correct technique and alignment. If you already have experience doing Pilates, you are putting yourself in a strong position when you enroll on the course.
Another route that people choose is using Pilates as an up-skill to their current health and fitness role. Personal Trainers, Physiotherapists and Yoga teachers often qualify as Pilates instructors to increase their repertoire of knowledge and exercises. As well as being another form of income, having knowledge in this area can complement services already provided.
Factors that affect income as a Pilates teacher
At the beginning of your career as a Pilates teacher, you might be earning less than your desired income, however, over time and with more experience your salary will increase. There are several different factors that affect your income as a Pilates instructor, understanding each will help you set realistic financial goals throughout your career.
Pilates teacher experience level
As a beginner in the industry, it is likely that you will earn less that those with more experience. As with most jobs, you will increase your income with more experience. This might come from taking on more classes, charging more per person, or increasing your rate for 1-1 sessions. Over time you will develop the skills and knowledge to charge more money for your sessions.
Session type
How much income you make also depends on whether you choose to teach classes or 1-1 sessions. As a 1-1 Pilates teacher, the average rate per session is anything between £30-£75. This is a fantastic hourly rate than can increase with experience. Although people pay less for group classes, if you have the space available and your classes are popular, you can earn the same, if not more than a 1-1 session. As of 2025, mat Pilates classes can cost anything from £5 per person, to up to £35 per person for a reformer Pilates class.
Geographic location
Another thing to consider is location. If you’re based in a city centre such as London or Manchester, it is likely that the cost per session will be more than those living in rural areas with less competition. However, although the charge per head will be more in a city, the studio rental costs will also be more expensive. If you’re considering starting your own studio or renting a space, you need to consider the outgoings as well as how much you can earn based on your location.
Type of employment
Another factor that affects income is the type of employment you choose. If you are employed by a studio or leisure facility, your pay will be capped by the hour or the class. The more you work the more income you will earn. If you’re self-employed, you have the scope to earn more. But you will miss out on the perks of holiday and sick pay. Another options is opening your own studio. Whilst this can reap the most financial benefits, it also requires the most work and it can take a long time until you’re in profit.
Can Pilates instructing be a side hustle?
You can make a living as a Pilates teacher, however, many people also opt to do it as a side hustle alongside their current career. Pilates is a great side hustle because most of the popular classes are done outside of typical working hours, such as first thing in the morning or in the evening. You can also choose how many classes you do each week to fit around your schedule.
If it’s something you want to make into a full-time career, you can begin Pilates as a side hustle. Then as you build up your client base, increase the number of classes you teach and decrease the time spent on your full-time job. Pilates can be a fulfilling career, hobby or part-time job.
Is Pilates high in demand?
At the moment, Pilates in incredibly high in demand. It’s one of the most popular types of exercise in the UK, US and Australia. Its popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In the UK there are over five thousand Pilates and Yoga studios. Specifically, there has been a huge rise in the popularity of reformer Pilates, a type of Pilates that uses reformer beds to increase the difficulty.
Never has there been a better time to become a Pilates teacher in the UK. With the rise in popularity and increase in studios, there is plenty of scope for your career to flourish.
How much can a Pilates instructor make in the UK?
If you’re considering a career in Pilates, one of the most common questions is, “How much can I earn as an instructor?” The good news is that Pilates can be both a fulfilling and financially rewarding profession, especially as demand continues to grow across the UK.
For one-to-one sessions, Pilates teachers typically earn between £30 and £75 per hour. These rates can be even higher in major cities like London or Manchester. Group classes, on the other hand, usually range from £5 to £35 per participant (depending on the type of Pilates). While individual rates are lower, a well-attended class can bring in just as much, or more than a single private session.
Annual income varies widely based on employment type and experience. Full-time instructors employed by studios or gyms can expect to earn between £18,000 and £30,000 per year. However, self-employed instructors, who run their own classes or offer a mix of in-person and online training, can earn £30,000+ annually. Those who branch out into specialised areas such as Reformer Pilates often have the potential to charge premium rates and expand their income further.
Your location, specialisation, and whether you’re employed or running your own business will all influence your earnings. With the flexibility to set your own hours and the potential for growth, becoming a Pilates teacher can be a lucrative and lifestyle-friendly career choice.
How fast can I become a Pilates instructor?
Our level 3 mat Pilates instructor course is designed to be completed in as little as 6 weeks. However, you have up to two years to complete the course using our online platform. If you’re eager to complete the course in as little time as possible, we recommend that you dedicate a few hours per week to learning the information and practicing Pilates. The more hands on time you get in this period, the better equipped you’ll be to teach.
As well as completing the coursework and anatomy and physiology exam, you will also be invited to participate in a practical assessment day.
Becoming a Pilates teacher in the UK is an accessible and rewarding career path with growing demand and flexible opportunities. Whether you’re looking to change careers, add a new skill to your fitness toolkit, or start a fulfilling side hustle, Pilates offers strong earning potential and a chance to make a meaningful impact on others’ wellbeing. With the right training, continued development, and passion for the practice, you can build a successful and sustainable career in this dynamic and ever-expanding industry.
